The Ready-made Object

The ready-made object is a manufactured piece meant for one purpose, but an artist claims it to be a work of art. One example is the urinal pictured below. Of course, it is meant for a specific purpose, but Dada artist Marcel Duchamp laid it on its back, signed it "R. Mutt 1917", and then called it art. Duchamp attempted to exhibit it in an art show, but was denied as the authorities stated that they did not feel it was art. However, Dada artists such as Duchamp were more interested in stimulating the viewer’s mind than just creating an aesthetically appealing work.